Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec
Quebec's PL 96 (Act respecting French, the official and common language of Quebec) is the CAQ government's 2022 strengthening of the Charter of the French Language (loi 101 of 1977). Royal assent June 1, 2022 (R.S.Q. 2022, c. 14, using the section 33 notwithstanding clause to insulate from Charter challenges). Extends Bill 101 to small businesses (25 to 49 employees previously exempted), caps English-CEGEP enrolment at 17.5 percent of the post-secondary system, requires immigrants to communicate with the Quebec government in French after six months of residency, creates the new Quebec Minister of the French Language role, and adds a constitutional amendment recognizing Quebec as a nation under section 90Q of the Constitution Act, 1867.
Status
Quick learn
Largest update to Quebec's Charter of the French language since 1977. Strengthens French-language requirements at work and in commercial signage, adds new obligations on businesses with 25-plus employees, and limits English-medium CEGEP enrolment. Critics argue parts violate the Canadian Charter; supporters say it preserves French.
Issues this bill touches
- Federalism & Quebec
Quebec's Bill 96 invokes the notwithstanding clause to insulate parts of the law from Charter challenges.
- Languages & Bilingualism
Largest update to Quebec's Charter of the French language since 1977. Strengthens French-language requirements at work and in commercial signage.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - Royal assent
Approved by both chambers and granted royal assent; now law.
View source
Sponsored by
François LegaultCAQOfficial source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada